A new class action lawsuit alleges that Ford must issue a recall for corroding hoods on a wide range of Ford Explorer models. The corroding hoods are the product of contamination in the aluminum body panel, which results in bubbling and flaking paint, among other aesthetic issues.
What’s more, the lawsuit alleges that Ford has known about the hood corrosion issue for nearly two decades at this point, but failed to issue a recall or cover repairs.
Apparently, the corroding hood issue first started in the early 2000’s, when Ford Explorer construction was moved over to lighter aluminum panels with the intention of offering greater fuel economy figures.
The Ford Explorer corroding hood issue stems from iron contamination of the aluminum panel prior to the application of paint during production. Over time, the iron particles move into the aluminum body part, causing it to corrode.
As highlighted in a recent report from Car Complaints, Ford has already created several technical service bulletins (TSB) on the issue. The first was in 2004, followed by a second in 2006 and a third in 2016. A fourth TSB was issued in February of 2019 that recommended outright panel replacement.
The plaintiff also points out that the two-year extended coverage for body panel corrosion is limited, as it only applies to a body panel that “perforates,” that is, corrodes through completely. However, aluminum panels can’t perforate, making the warranty essentially meaningless with regard to issues surrounding corroding hoods on Ford Explorer models.
The lawsuit includes “All persons in the United States and its territories who, within the applicable statute of limitations period, and as shown by Defendants records, purchased or leased a new or used Ford Explorer.”
In 2018, a separate class action was filed addressing bubbling paint for 2013 to 2018 Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Ford Mustang models, all of which use aluminum body components.
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Source: Car Complaints
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View Comments
If ford are going to replace the hoods free of charge what is the need for a law suite?
Hi Gareth:
Can you tell me where you saw the notice that Ford has agreed to replace the hoods free of charge?
Thank you
Scott
I have had my hood painted twice due to this corrosion on my 2013 Explorer Limited.
Hi Gareth,
Has there been information regarding Ford replacing hoods or even tailgates? If so, where can one access this information? As I am going around in circles with Ford saying it’s not their issue. I have 2017 Ford Expedition.
Lisa, was your hood just repainted or was it replaced twice?
My 2014 Fusion aluminum hood is starting to corrode and blister on the leading edge. Ford should repair or replace the problem panels.
I thought Aluminum body panels were supposed to prevent corrosion.
my 2017 explorer hood is already corroding with oxidization bubbles and the piece of shit has been detailed and protected with wax + ceramics since inception. consult your lemon laws if your car is as bad as mine
Hell Ron. Same here. We have a 2017 Ford Explorer that has been kept in the garage since day one and the hood is bubbling in 4 spots. Only 32K miles. We are pissed. We did complete a few forms regarding a class action lawsuit but unsure where this will get us. This was our first Ford I purchased and will definitely be the last! $55K vehicle and made of crap.
I meant to say Hello Ron :)
Have a 2004 needs repainted
I have 2013 Ford Explorer hood has been bubbling since 1/16 have documentation from dealer saying claim denied several times. Do I have any recourse. Thanks
I have a 2012 Explorer. Hood started to corrode about 2 years ago. Now it's peeling. I called Ford motor co. and they gave me a number for an attorney that was supposed to be handling the class action law suite but the number is no longer in service. Anyone have any further information?
I have 2013 explorer, it has been well cared for, rust bubbling up on the edge of the hood.
Please tell me how I can get help, The car was bought new, still looks new except for the hood.
please help, If Ford does not make it right, I have had 8 fords in a lifetime, this is the 4th
and last explorer.
Is there currently a Class Action Lawsuit regarding the Explorer Hood Paint? I can jump on. I was just informed that the paint is only covered 3 years or 36,000 miles. My vehicle is almost 5 years old, it started about 10 months ago
I have a 2016 ford explorer and the hood is for riding. What can I do about this. It has always been in a garage.